Ravi Shankar is an Indian composer. The virtuoso of playing the sitar is known all over the world. He has developed good relations with the Beatles quartet members. For his work, the musician was awarded the Bharat Ratna and Padma Vibhushan Prizes. He is a prize winner of UNICEF, UNESCO, commander of the Order of the Legion of Honor of France.
Ravi Shankar is called the most famous sitarist of the last century. He made a huge contribution to the European popularization of the traditional music of his country.
The beginning of the path to the top
The biography of the future leader began in 1920. The boy was born in Varanasi on April 2. Parents raised 7 sons, Ravi was the youngest. From childhood, the child was distinguished by his creativity.
In his youth, Ravi was engaged in a dance ensemble. The Company of Hindy Dance and Music was led by his brother Uday. The band performed in their native country and Europe. However, the young man was much more interested in music.
In 1938, under the guidance of court musician Allaudin Kahn, he began to study playing the sitar. The training was given to a talented guy effortlessly. The mentor helped the student to form an authorial manner of performance.
The solo debut of the young musician took place in 1939 in Allahabad. The music community of the country's professionals quickly drew attention to the gifted young man. He received many offers. In 1944, Shankar first tried his hand at composing. In 1945 he had already written music for the ballet Immortal India.
Confession
In 1948, after moving to Bombay, cooperation began with figures of national culture. Shankar composed music for films, ballets, as a session participant played in music groups, toured.
His ballet Discovery of India enjoyed considerable success. The premiere took place in Calcutta and Bombay. Ravi became the head of the country's music program directorate, a year later he was offered the leadership of All India Radio in New Delhi. Shankar held this position until 1956.
At the same time, Ravi led the ensemble of national instruments, continued his performing career and gave concerts. In 1956 he was known by Europe and the USA. At home, the musician became famous as one of the most famous artists. Shankar created his first solo album Three Ragas in 1956.
In the wake of the worldwide enthusiasm for Indian culture, interest in the artist’s work has steadily grown. Among the fans of the world famous sitarist was George Harrison, one of the Beatles. Ravi became his teacher. Later, Harrison used Indian motifs in his compositions, and then acted as producer of Shankar's new albums.
In 1969, the memoirs of the activist My Music, My Life were published. To this day, he is called among the best works on the national music of India. Edited by Harrison, Shankar released his second autobiographical book.
Family and vocation
In 1974, Shankar family & friends presented their fans, and in 1976, the musician prepared the Music festival of India. He participated in major festivals. In 1982, a concert of Shankar was held in London. He performed at the Royal Festival Hall. Ravi experimented a lot. Often his improvisations with various artists caused misunderstanding at home, but Shankar did not refuse further cooperation. He played with Yehudi Menuhin, worked with composers Glass and Preven.
He composed solo and orchestral works for a national instrument. Ravi Shankar was awarded the Grammy Award three times. Over 10 times he was awarded a doctorate. The composer was included in the members of the Academy of Arts of America.
He called his main achievement the popularization of national music and its release far beyond the borders of the country. He was awarded all three of the highest state awards in India. The musician was nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize in 2004.
The composer managed to arrange his personal life. Annapurna Devi, the daughter of his teacher Allaudin Kahn, became his wife in 1941. A child appeared in the family, the son of Shubhendra. However, the union broke up. The new darling of the musician was Sue Jones, producer. In 1979, they had a daughter, Nora.
Family life lasted until 1986, then the couple broke up. The third wife of Shankar was Sukanya Rajan. She gave her husband a daughter, Anushka. All descendants of the composer have chosen a musical career. Norah Jones became famous as a singer. She has won 8 Grammy Awards. Anushka Shankar is known as a performer on a sitar and composer. She often performed with her father. The son was recognized as an artist, composer and musician.
